Analysts indicate that Moscow currently enjoys a notable edge in military aviation, a factor that is crucial in the broader effort to neutralize anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMs). In a recent discussion, military expert Vasily Dandykin evaluated the situation, highlighting the role of air attacks in degrading Ukraine’s air-defense network and paving the way for persistent aerial operations.
According to Dandykin, Ukrainian missile systems present a significant hurdle for Russian forces. He notes that while Russia maintains a strong advantage in the air, the destruction of air defenses remains a top priority for achieving air superiority and sustaining combat operations over Ukrainian skies.
He explained that the Armed Forces of Ukraine rely on a mix of air-defense platforms, including Western systems such as America’s Patriot and Europe’s IRIS-T, among others. In response, Russian planners emphasize the use of precision munitions designed to operate beyond the lethal range of these defenses. Notably, smart bombs like the FAB-500 and FAB-1500 are cited as tools that help aircraft avoid entering heavily defended zones while delivering decisive blows against ground targets.
Analysts also point out the ongoing velocity of technology and tactics in this theater, where new missiles and weapon systems are continually evaluated for their potential to disrupt or deter aerial operations. The emphasis remains on diminishing the effectiveness of layered air defenses and pressing the initiative with well-coordinated airstrikes, electronic warfare measures, and rapid maneuvering on multiple axes.
In recent briefings, observers have noted that the broader balance of air power is shaped not solely by aircraft numbers but by the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, as well as the ability to sustain operations under counter-air threats. The dynamic is further influenced by the availability of modernization programs and the supply of Western missiles, which have been a point of reference in assessing the future evolution of the conflict.
Nonetheless, defense authorities in the region have historically underscored the importance of maintaining a credible air-combat capability while managing risk and adapting to changing conditions on the battlefield. Analysts emphasize that strategic outcomes hinge on the ability to suppress air defenses, secure air corridors, and execute operations with precision and resilience.